A 78-year-old French far-right historian Dominique Venner shot himself in the head at the altar of the Notre Dame cathedral after calling for a “spectacular action” over plans to legalise gay marriage.

A far-right writer has shot himself dead inside Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral, after calling for “spectacular” action to protect France’s identity. The activist reportedly left a note on the altar denouncing the new law legalizing gay marriage and adoption.

Dominique Venner, who had links with France’s far-right nationalist party, killed himself in front of the altar inside the iconic church around 4pm local time on Tuesday. The death prompted the evacuation of the cathedral, which was housing around 1,500 people at the time of the shooting.

“We just heard a loud sound, like a body falling from above,” an American tourist named Greg told AP.

Before killing himself, Venner published an article on his website, in which he spoke out against France’s adoption of a “vile law” legalizing gay marriage and adoption. He urged activists to take measures to protect “French and European identities.”

He also wrote “There will certainly need to be new, spectacular, symbolic gestures to shake off the sleepiness…and re-awaken the memories of our origins…we are reaching a time when words must be backed up with acts.” It is believed the statement was a potential reference to his suicide.

The rector of the iconic cathedral, Patrick Jacquin, told AFP that Venner had laid a letter on the altar before killing himself. A police source said it contained similar writings to those on Venner’s website.

The rector of the cathedral, Monsignor Patrick Jacquin, said Mr Venner had laid a letter on the altar before killing himself.

He said: “We did not know him, he was not a regular at the cathedral.”

A police source said the letter contained similar writings to those on the historian’s website but did not disclose the specifics of the note.

Mr Venner took his life at a time when around 1,500 were visiting the cathedral. It was immediately evacuated.

Greg, an American tourist from Phoenix, said the church was full at the time of the suicide but that there was no panic during the evacuation.

“We just heard a loud sound, like a body falling from above,” said Greg, who would not give his last name.

However, local student Prince Salabanzi, who was there to attend mass, said: “All of a sudden he shot himself in the head – everyone was traumatised,”.

The Socialist government’s gay marriage law came into force at the weekend.

The move has stirred up a storm of opposition among social conservatives and Catholics who have hosted a series of angry and often violent protests.

Interior Minister Manuel Valls arrived at Notre Dame soon after police and emergency services.

He said: “Notre Dame is Paris’ cathedral, it’s one of the most beautiful symbols of our capital and our country,

“We are fully aware of the repercussions of such an act.”

It is the second dramatic suicide in less than a week in Paris.

A 50-year-old man with a history of family problems shot himself dead on Thursday in a primary school near the Eiffel Tower, in front of about a dozen stunned children.

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